Republican lawmaker Assemblyman Marc W. Butler says a defeated amendment to the state budget would have eliminated sales tax on gasoline, safety helmets, and hygiene products.

Butler proposed the SHOP NY bill as an amendment, which would eliminate the eight-cent gasoline sales tax, sales tax on car seats, sales tax on safety helmets, and sales tax on personal hygiene products including baby diapers, soap and toothpaste.

Butler criticized the budget for its lack of tax relief for families. Little was included to assist with property taxes or the cost of living. Instead, the budget’s final language provided tax breaks for the purchase of luxury items like yachts and private planes.

“I do not think the budget provides New York families with enough tax relief, which is why I proposed the amendment to help them with their day-to-day expenses like gasoline, personal care products, car seats and safety helmets,” said Butler. “The leaders who crafted the budget really missed the mark. New Yorkers desperately need tax relief.”

 Butler represents the St. Lawrence County towns of Madrid, Norfolk, Stockholm, Parishville, Pierrepont, Clare, Colton, Clifton and Fine